Fluid dispensing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for dispensing a fluid includes a fan, at least light on the moving part of the fan, and a fluid dispenser disposed to dispense a fluid into the gas moved by the fan. Optionally there is a fluid reservoir supply the fluid and it provides mechanical support to the fan. This apparatus may be optionally configured to be suitable for handheld operation. Further the apparatus includes an optional drinking port allow drinking from the optional fluid reservoir.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/680,821 filed on May 14, 2005, which is incorporated byreference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to an apparatus for dispensing a fluidin a moving gas. Particularly, this invention relates to an apparatusfor generating a mixture of gas and fluid.

BACKGROUND

A representative example apparatus for generating a mixture of gas andfluid is a misting system. An example misting system includes at leastone fan and at least one fluid dispenser. A fan is an apparatus formoving a gas such as air. A fan comprises a gas-moving assembly, astationary assembly, and an actuator for generating a gas movementthrough moving the gas-moving assembly in the gas with respect to thestationary assembly. The stationary assembly may be only stationary withrespect the gas moving assembly. In some fan design, the stationaryassembly may be in motion; for example, the stationary assembly of anoscillating fan is oscillating slowly between two positions to generatea predetermined gas movement pattern, or the stationary assembly ismounted on a moving vehicle. The fluid dispenser may include an ejectorfor ejecting a fluid into the moving gas. Examples of ejector includebut are not limited to atomizer, nozzle, or sprayer. Refer to U.S. Pat.No. 5,799,873, which is incorporated by reference herein for details onejectors. Optionally, the fluid dispenser comprises a pump or a fluidreservoir. Selected fluid dispenser types may be employed for dispensinga suspension efficiently.

FIG. 1 shows the side view of a representative prior art misting system,which employs an axial fan. Referring to FIG. 1, the axial fan comprisesa gas-moving assembly 12, a motor 131, and a stationary assembly 11. Theaxial fan stands on stationary assembly 11. Example implementations ofstationary assembly 11 include but are not limited to a base, a frame,or a housing. Stationary assembly 11 supports the actuator, motor 131.On the axle 1311 of motor 131 is gas-moving assembly 12. Gas-movingassembly 12 comprises a hub 123 and at least one fan blades 121extending from hub 123. Axle 1311 of motor 131 mechanically couples togas-moving assembly 12 through hub 123. In some axial fan designs, theremay be a mechanism, for example, a gear system or a pulley system,between motor axle 1311 and hub 123. In operation, motor 131 drives fanblades 121 to rotate about an axis, for example the axis of axle 1311 inFIG. 1, and generate a gas movement. The design of fan blade and hubsare well known to one skilled in the art of fan design. Fan blades maybe soft or rigid, and clear or colored. Selected arrangements of theejectors of the fluid dispenser are represented by nozzle 2111 throughnozzle 2115; in which, nozzle 2111 dispenses a fluid onto the gas-movingassembly 12 in the gas flow direction; nozzle 2112 dispenses a fluidonto the gas-moving assembly 12 opposite to the gas flow direction,nozzle 2113 dispenses a fluid away from the gas-moving assembly 12 inthe gas flow direction, nozzle 2114 and nozzle 2115 dispenses a fluidinto the moving gas at an angle to the gas flow direction. Optionallythe fluid dispenser comprises at least one pump, which is arranged topump fluid to the ejector. The pump may be powered or manually operated.

Other types of fans may be employed in a misting system instead of theaxle fan, which moves gas to flow in a direction along the axis ofrotation of gas-moving assembly 12. The centrifugal fan, for example,moves gas to flow away from its gas-moving assembly in directions thatare perpendicular to the axis of rotation of its gas-moving assembly.The gas-moving assembly of a representative centrifugal fan shapes likea squirrel cage. Further, actuators are not limited to motors. Linearactuators, internal combustion engines, and turbine are example ofactuators employed for driving the gas-moving assembly of a fan. Theactuator of the fan may include a mechanism. This mechanism allows thegas-moving assembly to move in a complex pattern. The fan, includingstationary assembly 11, may be moving during operation. For example, thefan is on a moving vehicle or on an oscillating base.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the invention may be gained from theconsideration of the following detailed descriptions taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a representative prior art apparatus for dispensing a fluidin a moving gas.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified side view of an embodiment according to thepresent invention.

FIGS. 3 through 6 show simplified partial cutaway views of variousalternative embodiments according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the description that follows, like parts are indicated throughout thespecification and drawings with the same reference numerals. The presentinvention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.

FIG. 2 shows the side view of an embodiment of the present invention.Referring to FIG. 2, an axial fan comprises a gas-moving assembly 12, amotor 131, and a stationary assembly 11. The axial fan stands onstationary assembly 11. Stationary assembly 11 supports the actuator ofthe axial fan, motor 131. On the axle 1311 of motor 131 is gas-movingassembly 12. Gas-moving assembly 12 comprises a hub 123 and at least onefan blades 121 extending from hub 123. At least one light 122 is ongas-moving assembly 12. Lights 122 are shown on blade 121 and hub 123 inFIG. 2. Light 122 may be on an optional extension member, not shown inFIG. 2, of gas-moving assembly 12. Axle 1311 of motor 131 mechanicallycouples to gas-moving assembly 12 through hub 123. In some axial fandesigns, there may be a mechanism, for example a gear system or a pulleysystem, between motor axle 1311 and hub 123. In operation, motor 131drives fan blades 121 to rotate about an axis, for example the axis ofaxle 1311, and generate a gas movement. The embodiment comprises a fluiddispenser. Selected arrangements of the ejectors of the fluid dispenserof the embodiment are represented by nozzle 2111 through nozzle 2115 asin FIG. 1. Also in FIG. 2, the axial fan and motor 131 may be replacedby other types of fan and other types of actuator. The actuator mayinclude a mechanism. The whole fan may be moving during operation. Hub123 is optional for selected types of actuator. Light 122 may providefunctions including, for example, indication, entertainment, ornamental,lighting, safety, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 3 shows a partial cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention. Referring to FIG. 3, in housing 31 are motor 131 andmanually operated trigger type pump 2122 of the fluid dispenser of theembodiment. Trigger 2123 of pump 2122 extends to the outside of housing31. Housing 31 attaches to an optional first fluid reservoir 22.Optional first cap 2211 secures pump 2122 or housing 31 to first fluidreservoir 22. Pump 2122 draws a fluid through optional siphon tube 2124from first fluid reservoir 22 and sends the fluid to atomizer 2121.Atomizer 2121 dispenses the fluid in the close proximity of gas-movingassembly 12. Siphon tube 2124 extends into first fluid reservoir 22through first opening 221. On the axle 1311 of motor 131 is gas-movingassembly 12. Atomizer 2121 dispenses the fluid in the close proximity ofgas-moving assembly 12. Gas-moving assembly 12 comprises hub 123 and atleast one fan blades 121 extending from hub 123. At least one light 122is on gas-moving assembly 12. Blades 121 are made from a soft and lighttransmitting material such as, for example, plastic or elastomer. Shownin FIG. 3 are multiple lights 122 of the light emitting diode type of atleast one color on a flexible printed circuit board 1221 in one of thefan blades 122. Light 122 may be on multiple fan blades 121 and hub 123.Hub 123 holds an optional control circuit for light 122. The optionalcontrol circuit may be implemented with, for example, discreteelectronic components, at least one integrated circuit, or acommercially available special purpose light emitting diode controlintegrated circuit. The optional control circuit may operate lights 122to show at least one lighting pattern. Optionally, the control circuitmay operate light 122 to display a substantially stationary pattern. Anoptional sensor in hub 123 allows light 122 to turn on when gas-movingassembly rotates above a predetermined angular speed. This optionalsensor may be implemented with, for example, a tilt switch, a motionsensor, a spring switch, or a ball switch. Hub 123 holds the batterypower source to light 122. Alternatively, power for light 122 may besupplied through, for example, a slip ring system on axle 1311 from astationary power source or a generator in hub 123. Implementations ofthe slip ring system are understood by ones that are skilled in directedcurrent motor or direct current generators. Implementations of agenerator in hub 123 are understood by ones that are skilled inproviding power to the wheels of a vehicle. In housing 31 is an optionalbattery compartment for the battery that supplies power to motor 131.The embodiment may include an optional power control switch, which isnot shown in the figure, for controlling the electrical power flow tomotor 131.

FIG. 4 shows a partial cutaway view of another alternative embodiment ofthe present invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is similar to theembodiment shown in FIG. 3 except that: at least one light 122 includesan integrated battery and an optional integrated sensor for turning onlight 122 when the optional integrated sensor senses a predeterminemotion; and pump 2122 couples to an optional adapter 33. Adapter 33 isfor coupling pump 2122 and housing 31 to an optional fluid reservoir,which is not shown in FIG. 4. On adapter 33 is a drinking port.Optionally the drinking port includes a first drinking tube 2231extending into the optional fluid reservoir. Siphon tube 2124 alsoextends from pump 2122 into the optional fluid reservoir.

FIG. 5 shows a partial cutaway view of another alternative embodiment ofthe present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, a fan comprises an actuatorassembly 13 and a gas-moving assembly 12. Gas moving assembly compriseshub 123, a least one fan blade 121 extending radially from hub 123, andlight 122. In actuator assembly 13 is a gearhead motor, which is notshown in the figure. On axle 1311 of gearhead motor is hub 123.Stationary assembly 11 comprises the housing of actuator assembly 13.The housing of actuator assembly 13 attaches to trigger type sprayhead212 of the fluid dispenser of this embodiment. Optionally, actuatorassembly 13 removably attaches to sprayhead 212. Sprayhead 212 attachesto first fluid reservoir 22. Siphon tube 2124 of sprayhead 212 extendsinto first fluid reservoir 22 through first opening 221. Optionally,sprayhead 212 removably attaches to first fluid reservoir 22. Optionalfirst cap 2211 secures sprayhead 212 onto first fluid reservoir 22. Onfirst fluid reservoir 22 is a second opening 222, which may provide adrinking port function. The drink port is indicated by arrow 123 in thefigure. Second cap 2221 covers second opening 222. First drinking tube2231 extends through second cap 2221. Optionally, first drinking tube2231 is flexible. Optional second drinking tube 2232 extends from firstdrinking tube 2231 deep into first fluid reservoir 22. This is anoptional cover for second cap 2221, which is not shown in FIG. 5. Whenthis optional cover properly covers second cap 2221, this optional coverbends the optionally flexible first drinking tube 2231 against secondcap 2221 and provides a relatively fluid resistant seal for drinkingport 223. The optional cover for second cap 2221 may be rotatablyattaches to second cap 2221. Optionally, first drinking tube 2231extends into fluid reservoir 22.

FIG. 6 shows a cutaway view of yet another alternative embodiment of thepresent invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is similar to theembodiment shown in FIG. 3 except in the arrangement of the fluidreservoirs. Referring to FIG. 6, housing 31 and pump 2122 attach tofirst fluid reservoir 22 with the aid of optional cap 2211. Siphon 2124extends from pump 2122 through first opening 221 into first fluidreservoir 22. A second fluid reservoir 36 with second opening 222attaches to first fluid reservoir 22. Second opening 222 provides, forexample, a drinking port function or other functions. The drinking portis indicated by arrow 223 in the figure. Second cap 2221 covers secondopening 222. First drinking tube 2231 extends through second cap.Optionally, first drinking tube 2231 is flexible. Optional seconddrinking tube 2232 extends from first drinking into first fluidreservoir 22. There is an optional cover for second cap 2221, which isnot shown in the figure. When this optional cover properly covers secondcap 2221, this optional cover bends the optionally flexible firstdrinking tube 2231 against second cap 2221 and provides a relativelyfluid resistant seal for drinking port 223. The optional cover providesa fluid valve function. Optionally first drinking tube 2231 extends intofluid reservoir 22.

There are numerous variations to the embodiments discussed above whichwill be trivial to the one skilled in the art. Examples of thesevariations include but not limited to:

-   -   Examples of gas include but are not limited to air;    -   Examples of fluid include but are not limited to a liquid or a        suspension;    -   Pump is optional for the fluid dispenser;    -   Any type of fluid pump may be employed in the fluid dispenser;    -   Fluid reservoir is optional for the fluid dispenser;    -   Examples of a fan include but are not limited to an axial fan, a        centrifugal fan, or a blower;    -   Examples of actuator include but are not limited a motor, a        engine, a turbine, or a linear actuator;    -   Actuator may include a mechanism;    -   Actuator may include a controller;    -   Drinking tube is optional at drinking port 223;    -   Examples of light 122 include but are not limited to a        incandescent light source, a light emitting diode, a        electroluminescent light source, a florescent light source, a        solid state light source, or a chemiluminescent light source;    -   Lights 122 may receive power from hub 123 through a controller;    -   Light 122 is optional; and    -   A combination or subcombination of the above.

Although the embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and thatthe form has been described, it is readily apparent to those skilled inthe art that various modifications may be made therein without departingfrom the spirit of the invention.

1. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid, comprising: a fan for moving agas, comprising: a stationary assembly; a gas-moving assembly,comprising: at least a fan blade; and at least a light; an actuatordisposed to move said gas-moving assembly with respect to saidstationary assembly; and a fluid dispenser being disposed to dispensesaid fluid into the moving gas moved by said fan.
 2. An apparatus fordispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said light beingdisposed on said fan blade and said fluid dispenser mechanically couplesto said fan.
 3. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim2, wherein, said fan comprises an axle fan.
 4. An apparatus fordispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 3, wherein, said fluid dispensercomprises: an ejector for dispensing said liquid; and a pump supplyingsaid fluid to said ejector.
 5. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid asclaimed in claim 4, wherein, said fluid dispenser further comprises, afluid reservoir for holding said fluid.
 6. An apparatus for dispensing afluid as claimed in claim 5, wherein, said fluid dispenser furthercomprises a drinking port.
 7. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid asclaimed in claim 6 further comprises a drinking tube extending into saidfluid reservoir through said drinking port.
 8. An apparatus fordispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 7 further comprises a siphon tubeextending into said fluid reservoir through which said pump draws saidfluid from said fluid reservoir.
 9. An apparatus for dispensing a fluidas claimed in claim 4, wherein, said fluid dispenser further comprisesan adapter having a drinking port.
 10. An apparatus for dispensing afluid as claimed in claim 9, wherein, said fluid dispenser furthercomprises, a fluid reservoir being disposed o hold said fluidmechanically coupling to said pump through said adapter.
 11. Anapparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 10 furthercomprises a drinking tube extending into said fluid reservoir throughsaid drinking port.
 12. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimedin claim 11 further comprises a siphon tube extending into said fluidreservoir through which said pump draws said fluid from said fluidreservoir.
 13. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid, comprising: ahousing; a motor in said housing having an axle; a gas-moving assembly;comprising: a hub coupled to said axle of said motor; at least a fanblade extending from said hub; at least a light mechanically coupling tosaid hub; a pump in said housing; a battery compartment in said housingbeing disposed to receive the battery for powering said motor; a fluidreservoir mechanically supporting said housing; a siphon tube throughwhich said pump draw said fluid from said fluid reservoir; and anatomizer receive the fluid from said pump and dispense said fluid in theclose proximity of said gas moving assembly.
 14. An apparatus fordispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 13 further comprises a drinkingport in fluid communication with said fluid reservoir.
 15. An apparatusfor dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 14 further comprises adrinking tube extending into said fluid reservoir through said drinkingport.
 16. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 14,wherein, said drinking port is disposed on said fluid reservoir.
 17. Anapparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 13 wherein saidlight being disposed on said fan blade.
 18. An apparatus for dispensinga fluid as claimed in claim 17 further comprises a drinking port influid communication with said fluid reservoir.
 19. An apparatus fordispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 18 further comprises a drinkingtube extending into said fluid reservoir through said drinking port. 20.An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 13 comprise amember extending from said hub and said light being on said member. 21.An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 20, wherein,said member being said fan blade.
 22. An apparatus for dispensing afluid as claimed in claim 13, wherein, said apparatus is suitable forhandheld application.
 23. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimedin claim 13, wherein, said pump comprises a trigger-type pump.
 24. Anapparatus for dispensing a fluid, comprising: at least a fan configuredto move a gas; at least a light on said fan moving when said fan is inoperation; and at lease a fluid dispenser configured to dispense saidfluid into the gas moved by said fan.
 25. The apparatus for dispensing afluid as claimed in claim 24 further comprises a drinking port on saidfluid dispenser for drinking said fluid.
 26. The apparatus fordispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 25 further comprises a fluidreservoir mechanically supporting said fan being disposed to hold saidfluid.
 27. The apparatus for dispensing a fluid as claimed in claim 24further comprises a first fluid reservoir mechanically supporting saidfan being disposed to hold said fluid.
 28. The apparatus for dispensinga fluid as claimed in claim 27 further comprises a second fluidreservoir having a drinking port attaching to said fluid dispenser.